Study: Divergent trends in citizenship rates among immigrants in Canada and the United States

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Between 1970 and 2006, a significant gap in the proportion of immigrants who obtained citizenship developed between Canada and the United States.

The study "Divergent Trends in Citizenship Rates Among Immigrants in Canada and the United States" shows that the proportion of immigrants who obtained American citizenship declined, at least up to the mid-1990s, while the proportion who obtained Canadian citizenship increased.

In 1970, about two-thirds of foreign-born residents in both countries were citizens. By 2006, this proportion had declined to 46% in the United States and had risen to 79% in Canada.

Among immigrants who meet eligibility requirements, citizenship acquisition is associated with a number of factors.

First, differences in the citizenship rate exist among immigrants from different source regions. Immigrants from less affluent countries and from countries with restricted civil liberties are more likely to become citizens of Canada or the United States. Immigrants from countries in close geographical proximity are less likely to become citizens.

Since 1970, Canada has increasingly attracted immigrants from countries in Asia. Relatively large shares of immigrants from these countries acquire citizenship. In the United States, a growing proportion of immigrants came from Mexico and other Latin American countries. In the US, relatively small shares of immigrants from these countries acquire citizenship.

Second, the longer immigrants stay in a country, the more likely they are to become citizens. The proportion of immigrants in Canada for 20 years or more increased from 46% to 55% between 1971 and 1991, while the proportion decreased in the United States.

Finally, the likelihood of becoming a citizen is associated with personal characteristics, such as educational attainment and age at immigration.

Overall, changes in the source regions, years since immigration and personal characteristics of immigrants to Canada and the United States accounted for about two-thirds of the widening gap in citizenship rates through the 1970s – when the gap widened most – and for about one-half of the widening gap through the 1980s. These factors accounted for about one-half of the widening gap over the entire 1970 to 2006 period.

Trends in the citizenship rate in the United States can be affected by changes in the number of unauthorized immigrants, as they are not eligible to become citizens. The study found that the trends outlined above remain even after taking this factor into account.

The research paper "Divergent Trends in Citizenship Rates Among Immigrants in Canada and the United States," part of Analytical Studies Research Paper Series (11F0019M2011338, free), is now available from the Key resource module of our website under Publications.

Similar studies from the Social Analysis Division are available online (www.statcan.gc.ca/socialanalysis).

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Garnet Picot (613-951-8214), Social Analysis Division.